Policy Statement on Portable Electric Appliances, Smoking and Open Flames in a Student Housing Facility

Fire Safety

Fire drills are held periodically and residents must follow the emergency procedures and evacuation plans as posted around the facilities. According to State and Federal law, residents must participate and evacuate in the event of a fire drill. Failure to evacuate residential facilities during a fire drill or once a fire alarm has sounded may result in disciplinary action and a fine. Residents are required to practice safe exit procedures during all fire drills and fire emergencies and must clear the building within three minutes. no open flames are allowed, no heating elements allowed in rooms, all dormitories are smoke/tobacco free

Storm Shelters

Storm shelters are provided for each facility in the event of severe weather. When necessary to take cover, residents should make their way to the following areas once City sirens sound:

Jefferson Hall – basement

Neff Hall – basement

Oklahoma Hall – Music hallway/TV area

Rogers Hall – basement

Stewart Hall – basement

Mary Mabry Savage Apartments – Neff basement

Security Guidelines

SWOSU does not assume any liability or responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage to any student’s personal property while in our residential facilities. The following is suggested:

Register your valuables with the SWOSU Campus Police

Keep your door, window, and balcony doors locked at all times

Carry insurance on all valuables. Insurance information is available in the Residence Life office

Mark all personal property with your name. This includes your books

Report lost keys and broken locks to the Residence Life office immediately

Immediately report persons who behave in a suspicious manner to Residence Life staff

Thefts, assaults, and health emergencies must be reported to the SWOSU Campus Police as well as the Residence Life staff

Health and Safety Inspection

A scheduled preventative safety inspection for each resident’s room will take place at least once during the semester. The emphasis of these inspections is the verification that students are not actively contributing to any condition that would put their health or safety at risk. Residents will, to the extent practicable under the circumstances, be given advance notice that Health and Safety Inspections will be conducted during the semester. During these inspections, Residence Life staff will enter rooms and look for items or conditions that might possibly pose a health or safety hazard to students or to student housing. Areas to be addressed are:

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is among the top colleges in Oklahoma. The outstanding and unique education you will receive at SWOSU is a result of small class sizes, caring and qualified faculty, accessible technology, and an engaging campus life. As a SWOSU student, you can do hands-on research alongside faculty, prepare for a satisfying and exciting career in almost any field, get degrees from Associate to Doctorate, and participate in a vibrant arts community. Financial aid and scholarships are also available. The focus is you!